Yesterday I interviewed for one of the jobs I applied for.The interview went fairly well and I am pretty sure I will get a offer I am getting back to the workforce after a long gap of 11 years.

29 Comments

1. AnonymousAugust 4,2023 at 1:45PM UTC

   The interview is a two way street, it also gives the applicant the opportunity to find out more about the position and the company. There's got to be a reason you are not exited about it. I would advice to sleep on it and if in the morning you can see yourself working there for at least a year go for it, if you still have a bad feeling pass on the offer. After all, we spend most of our waking hours on the job.

2. Kimberley Ferretti HammettAugust 4,2023 at 1:52PM UTC

   Also remember there are more than two answers to a job offer! Take some time immediately to reflect on why you're not excited about the role and what would make you excited. What are the things giving you pause? Could you potentially get more clarification from them that might make you feel more sure? (For example, if you're nervous about the work environment, are there more questions you can ask about the manager or team dynamic?). See how their answers make you feel.

   If in your reflection you determine your lack of excitement stems from something unrelated to the role itself like a nervousness to leave your current lifestyle or potentially lack of confidence/imposter syndrome, try to ask yourself what could go right and weigh the potential worst case scenario and best case scenario.

3. AnonymousAugust 4,2023 at 11:10PM UTC

   This was very helpful! Thank you

4. AnonymousAugust 4,2023 at 2:36PM UTC

   I would wait to actually receive a written offer to then decide. Feeling confused about something you haven't been offered is a waste of time. Continuing to search to position yourself for multiple written offers is always best. You don't rest until you until you make the decision that's best for you. Wondering, predicting and confusion are nothing to base decisions on.

   Good luck!

5. Joanne SaltfleetAugust 5,2023 at 1:47PM UTC

   Word to the wise always ask employers to put job offers in writing!

6. AnonymousAugust 4,2023 at 4:38PM UTC

   In today's jobs marketplace it's best to keep on moving forward regardless how well the interview went. And for what it's worth, if you're not excited about the job, do not take it unless you HAVE to or else you'll be looking for another one in a few months. Hang out on LinkedIn for awhile and see what's really going on in the job's market.

7. AnonymousAugust 4,2023 at 5:14PM UTC

   I just started my serious job hunt this week after a career break of 5 years. I get mixed messages from a number of souces about what the job market is really doing. I'm trying to use LinkedIn to my advantage, and trying not to overthink things. I have a feeling it will be a long road to the right job, and I want to stay positive. Are you saying networking is the key, not the perfect resume or cover letter? I think I am spending more time trying to use the proper language in my documentation and perfecting my presence on LinkedIn and other job sites, than actually making connections with professionals in my field. I will change my strategy!

8. Joanne SaltfleetAugust 5,2023 at 1:43PM UTC

   Last year I got offered a job and my body told me no not to take it after they had antagonised me at interview and I had hoped the job wouldn't be offered but no such luck!

   What it was was I had to rearrange the interview due to a gas safety check at home and they had dared to have asked me what the appointment had been for which I felt was cheeky!

   OK a gas safety check with me isn't anything private but that's not the point as they had no business going round asking interviewees what their appointments are for!

   thoug

   htI happily said to them thanks for the offer but no thank you and had said how I had thought things through and had made the decision that the job wasn't right for me!

9. AnonymousAugust 4,2023 at 5:05PM UTC

   The market for roles is pretty rough, think long and hard about taking the role and perhaps slowly getting back into the work groove at a place where maybe you are not so interested but can get back in with a bit of time to remember what it's like being employed. A year goes by quickly and will remove the gap you have that clearly this company is willing to ignore.

10. AnonymousAugust 4,2023 at 6:01PM UTC

    I agree with the idea of seriously considering any offers even if you aren't excited about it. Transitioning back into the workplace is tough and almost everything about most workplaces has changed in sometimes dramatic ways since the last time you dealt with it. Taking a job that's good enough for now will both build your resume out with recent experience and also help you hone in on what you do and don't like in today's business environment.

    I was out of the paid workforce for a decade. First job back was a disaster zone, but it did help me clarify what I needed from a job vs just what they needed from me. I could have seen myself long-term at my second company (different role but related field), but it was my third (completely different field) that ignited my passion and launched my career. I've been in my field for almost 20 years now and experiences from my years at home directly contributed to my successful climb up the ladder.

11. AnonymousAugust 4,2023 at 7:23PM UTC

    If you are not enthused by the job, keep looking.

    But before turning the position down, try to evaluate the source of your lack of enthusiasm. This will help you pinpoint the problem, allowing you to better negotiate with the employer should you receive an offer.

    And even if you decide to turn the offer down, understanding your concerns is helpful for your job search.

12. Joanne SaltfleetAugust 5,2023 at 1:35PM UTC

    What I do after interview is ask myself if I did get the position would I take it? If I liked what I saw at interview then yes I would take a position if it was offered but if not I wouldn't be getting myself upset over it!

13. AnonymousAugust 4,2023 at 7:29PM UTC

    11 years is a long time and it might be difficult to wrap your head around working. You may need to ease back into the job market by working temp or part-time.

14. AnonymousAugust 4,2023 at 11:07PM UTC

    I agree! This was literally the second job I applied for.

15. Louise ByrneAugust 5,2023 at 12:56PM UTC

    Until you have the offer, it does you no good to waste time thinking about it. Once you get the offer then go with your gut instinct.

    I do wonder, if you don’t get the offer, how that would land with you though.

16. Joanne SaltfleetAugust 5,2023 at 1:32PM UTC

    It will be nice if you do get the offer but what I do is feel that if I do get offered positions I am interested in then it will be nice but if not I won't get myself upset over it!

    My motto is about not counting your chickens in regard to job offers and if something is for you it won't go by you!

17. AnonymousAugust 5,2023 at 2:09PM UTC

    No offer letter = no offer. Keep interviewing.

    if you get the job take it. 11 year gap is hard to break back into the workforce unless you are friends with a hiring manager who will hire you.

18. AnonymousAugust 5,2023 at 3:29PM UTC

    If you are not excited about it, that is not a good way to start this job. Yes, a long gap is a big challenge, but you should be happy about a new job.

19. AnonymousAugust 5,2023 at 5:10PM UTC

    I think it's more of the unknown. It's a big adjustment mentally and it could be a great opportunity. My neighbor just went through the exact thing.. Once she walked into the office the first day. She felt she has a purpose now.

20. maria roseAugust 5,2023 at 6:17PM UTC

    If you get an offer, is quite different than being given an offer. In the meantime, evaluate what you want to expect and know about this company and the position. Don’t let the excitement of a possibility blind you from finding the best fit for your needs.

21. AnonymousAugust 6,2023 at 3:19AM UTC

    To get a job after 1 application and 1 interview is not likely in today’s market. Please keep applying and interviewing you may find something else that really excites you. Good luck.

22. AnonymousAugust 6,2023 at 5:13PM UTC

    Might not be the norm, but I hekd two long term positions over 10 and; 18 yrs and was let go during RIFs for both ( one in 2009 and the other in 2020).

    I had one job interview for a new job in 2010 and was hired 364 days after prior job ended. Current job found in one interview in 2020 within just 2 weeks of ending previous job. Started 2 weeks before full covid shutdown and already promoted since then. Love my job and grateful for the opportunities given. It just takes one to say yes.

23. Montoya EvansAugust 6,2023 at 1:13PM UTC

    You don't have to stay even if you accept an offer. Try it out and see if it's a good fit. Continue applying and interviewing until you find a good fit. You can schedule online interviews during your lunch break.

24. Katherine Metres Akbar, Interview Coach & Resume ExpertAugust 6,2023 at 1:28PM UTC

    If it seems too good to be true, it may be a scam. Check their sites carefully for professionalism; check Glassdoor. Does it seem like they did adequate due diligence to hire you for the job? Did they do a background/reference check? Multiple interviews? Or did they just seem eager to onboard you?

    Anyway, if the job does not excite you, you need to sort out why not. If it's just something you are not that interested in or that does not align with your values, you should definitely turn it down even if it is not a scam. (In this case, I hope you were recruited for it and did not apply for it.) You may be feeling ambivalent about getting back into the workforce, though, so check that possibility too. Best wishes!

25. ChrishoggAugust 6,2023 at 1:57PM UTC

    Hmm ...

    If you've been unemployed for 11 years, absolutely assuming here with no data and no information, and you haven't ended up homeless and on the street, or in prison, and you (assuming again) are not in immediate danger of doing so, then I believe you can assume you have 3-6 months to sort all this out.

    And so:

    If you feel confused, you are most likely confused, and when we're confused we often don't know what to do. Sounds like a mentor or two is in order.

    If you don't know what to do, reach out to others as you are doing here, and ask for advice and guidance. But you must give them enough information to allow for informed advice. No one here has enough information to tell you what decision to make.

    If it seems too good to be true, there's a really good chance it's too good to be true, BUT even if it is true (whatever that means), if you're CONFUSED you would do well to find out why you're confused.

26. AnonymousAugust 6,2023 at 7:26PM UTC

    ??????? Confused about what??? I'm confused on your cryptic response

27. ChrishoggAugust 7,2023 at 6:28PM UTC

    Hi Anonymous ---

    Sorry about that.

    You started out by saying you were confused.

    It's hard to think straight when we're confused.

    I suggested and hopefully supported you reaching out in venues like this, and to get a mentor or two to help you get "un-confused."

    In any event, without much more detail and understanding, no one out here can give you anything more than a vague opinion on what you should do ... and no one out here can tell you what you should do. That is your choice.

    Hope this clears things up a little, and wish you the best.

28. Marian DavidsonAugust 7,2023 at 5:11AM UTC

    First, congratulations on getting back in the workforce. Be sure that it is a legitimate company, check out their website, and see if you can find any reviews online. Also check with the Better Business Bureau to see if they have ever heard of them.

    1) Get the offer in writing. Details on benefits, time off, etc. besides the exact rate of pay.

    2) Be sure that it is not a contract that ties you up. You want to be an "at will" employee which means that you can quit any time without being under any long-term obligation to the company.

    Even if you accept the offer, keep interviewing and looking until you are sure you want to stay at the company. Sometimes, you look good to potential employers because you are currently employed.

29. AnonymousAugust 7,2023 at 12:13PM UTC

    Then why pursue it if you're not excited. It will show. Maybe it will be exciting for someone else. Keep looking for your joy.